Bus passengers have lucky escape after fire breaks out; Lorry carrying wood gutted

KOLAR, MADIKERI: A KSRTC bus caught fire near Bhatrahalli Gate on the Bethamangala main road in Kolar taluk on Friday morning, causing panic among the 70 passengers on board. The fire, caused by a short circuit in the engine, was quickly extinguished by the driver and locals using a fire extinguisher.

The bus was headed from Kolar to Bethamangala. Thanks to the prompt action of the bus crew, all passengers were safely evacuated, and there were no injuries reported. The Kolar Rural police are investigating the incident.

In another incident, a lorry carrying plywood material from Mangaluru to Madikeri caught fire near Devarakolli on the Mani-Mysuru National Highway on Friday morning. Luckily, the driver escaped unhurt as he had gotten out of the vehicle.

Locals alerted the police and fire brigade teams arrived to extinguish the flames. The lorry was completely gutted in the fire.